Update on the investigation of Cyclospora in Fresh Express bagged salads

The FDA’s traceback investigation identified several farms that may have provided product used in the Fresh Express salads that were recalled. In Florida, FDA analyzed water samples from two public access points along a regional water management canal, located west of Port St. Lucie, Florida. These samples tested positive for Cyclospora cayetanensis using FDA’s validated testing method. Given the emerging nature of genetic typing methodologies for this parasite, the FDA has been unable to determine if the Cyclospora detected in the canal is a genetic match to the clinical cases. Therefore, there is currently not enough evidence to conclusively determine the cause of this outbreak. As of August 14, 2020, CDC is reporting a total of 690 cases across 13 states (GA (1), IA (206), IL (209), KS (5), MA (1), MN (86), MO (57), NE (55), ND (6), OH (4), PA (2), SD (13), WI (45)). Based on the traceback, carrots are no longer being investigated for this outbreak. Two of the salad ingredients, red cabbage, and iceberg lettuce, continue to be items of interest in the investigation. On June 27, 2020, Fresh Express recalled products containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, or carrots. These products were either branded with the Fresh Express label, or with several retail store brand labels. The recalled retail store brands were ALDI Little Salad Bar, Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco Signature Farms, ShopRite Wholesome Pantry, and Walmart Marketside. The recalled products were made in the Fresh Express production facility in Streamwood, Illinois, and have the potential to be contaminated with Cyclospora. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-cyclospora-bagged-salads-june-2020?utm_campaign=Outbreak_Bagged%20Salads%20_08142020&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua